Colon Cancer Screening Rates Lag Despite High Accuracy of Colonoscopy: New Tests Offer Hope
Seoul, South Korea - September 15, 2024 – Despite a concerning 70.7% incidence rate of colon cancer in South Korea in 2023, national health insurance data reveals a shockingly low screening rate of just 41.6% – the lowest among the six major cancers monitored.This disparity highlights a significant challenge in preventative healthcare, largely attributed to patient reluctance surrounding the traditional fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
The primary barrier? Simply put,people don’t like handling thier own stool samples. This discomfort, coupled with concerns about the test’s accuracy, is driving demand for choice screening methods. While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detection, its invasiveness and demanding readiness - including rigorous bowel cleansing, fasting, and often sedation – limit its feasibility for widespread, routine screening, notably among the elderly.
Fecal Tests Fall Short: Low Detection Rates
Current national guidelines recommend FIT as the initial screening method for individuals over 50. A positive result triggers a follow-up colonoscopy. Though, data suggests FIT’s effectiveness is limited. A 2017 study by researchers at Yonsei University found that only 1.3% of individuals flagged by FIT were ultimately diagnosed with colorectal cancer during a subsequent colonoscopy.
“The low detection rate, combined with the inherent unpleasantness of the test, contributes to lower participation rates,” explains an official at the National Cancer Center. “Our data shows colonoscopy is preferred almost twice as often as FIT,even as an initial screening method.”
The Rise of alternative Screening Methods
Recognizing the need for a more accessible and accurate solution, researchers and biotech companies are developing innovative alternatives. Several European countries, including Hungary and Austria, and also Asian nations like Singapore and India, are already utilizing blood tests to identify individuals at higher risk of colorectal cancer. These tests analyze circulating tumor DNA or other biomarkers in the blood, offering a non-invasive approach to risk assessment.
Professor of Gastrointestinal Medicine at Hallym university Sacred Heart Hospital recently emphasized the limitations of the current screening system, advocating for the increased availability of non-invasive testing options.
Looking Ahead
The push for improved colon cancer screening is critical.Early detection remains the most effective strategy for combating this frequently enough-deadly disease. As technology advances and new, patient-pleasant screening methods become more widely available, experts hope to see a significant increase in participation rates and, ultimately, a reduction in the incidence of colon cancer.
Image Caption: A picture of the process of removing colon polyps with colonoscopy. Getty Image Bank.
Keywords: Colon Cancer, Screening, Colonoscopy, Fecal Immunochemical Test, FIT, Blood Test, Cancer Prevention, Healthcare, South Korea, National Cancer Center, Biomarkers, Circulating Tumor DNA.
